Thoughts on Nerds
The term is tossed about frequently and often very negatively. The textbook definition of the word is ripe with colorful synonyms, including dunce, eccentric, fool, freak, introvert, and weakling, just to name a few. In my experience, I have rarely heard it used with emphasis on its positive connotations, such as intellectual or pundit. It is an unfortunate truth that nerds are generally regarded as awkward and socially inept.
I came to understand my membership in this classification early in my childhood. It was mostly a matter of temperament, at first. I preferred smaller social circles and close friendships to large networks of acquaintances. I had a natural ability for academics and enjoyed hobbies like reading and video games. All of these traits, while not negative in and of themselves, served to alienate me from others. Thus, I gained the label of nerd.
To those of you who choose to read this, I wish to propose a new way of looking at nerds. Consider, if you will, the possibility that a nerd is a person who lives by the Shakespeare adage, “This above all; to thine own self be true.” They are natural intellectuals who love what they love, even if it should run contrary to popular opinion. They suffer because of their interests, choosing to devote themselves to their pursuits rather than the shallow acceptance of strangers. Many even embrace a revolutionary mindset, abandoning contemporary opinion in favor of their own unique world view. They are free thinkers of the truest sort.
Following this argument, what is to be concluded of those who look down on nerds? It may be that these individuals are confused by something that they themselves do not understand. They see a highly cerebral person who seems to be less interested in socializing than, say, computers or science. Perhaps these topics seem boring or trivial, leading these onlookers to believe that the nerd must not socialize because they don’t know how. Or it may be that they feel intimidated by the nerd’s intellectual talents, regarding the nerd negatively in order to feel better about their own perceived shortcomings. I hope it seems clear from the above two examples that the two most viable reasons for others to derogate a nerd are ignorance and jealousy. Thus, it is the ignorant, the envious, and those foolish enough to listen to them who would speak ill of a nerd.
The conclusion of my argument is simple. I believe the term nerd should not be considered pejorative. Nerds are intelligent, self-sufficient free thinkers who value their own identities and ideas over their popularity. If anything, the term nerd is a high compliment. I, for one, am proud to call myself a nerd, and I invite anyone else who fits the definition to step up and declare likewise.